Topic Contents:

Parathyroid Hormone

A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test
measures the level of parathyroid
hormone in the blood. This test is used to help
identify
hyperparathyroidism, to find the cause of abnormal
calcium levels, or to check the status of chronic kidney disease. PTH controls calcium and
phosphorus levels in the blood.

PTH is
made by the
parathyroid glands, which are four pea-sized glands
that lie behind the
thyroid gland. If the blood calcium level is too low,
the parathyroid glands release more PTH. This causes the bones to release more
calcium into the blood and reduces the amount of calcium released by the
kidneys into the urine. Also,
vitamin D is converted to a more active form, causing
the intestines to absorb more calcium and phosphorus. If
the calcium level is too high, the parathyroid glands release less PTH, and the
whole process is reversed.

PTH levels that are too high or too low
can cause problems with the kidneys and bones and cause changes in calcium and
vitamin D levels.

Tests for calcium and phosphorus levels in the
blood may be done at the same time as a PTH test.

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